1. Early musical training helps develop brain
areas involved in language and reasoning. It is thought that brain
development continues for many years after birth. Recent studies
have clearly indicated that musical training physically develops
the part of the left side of the brain known to be involved with
processing language, and can actually wire the brain's circuits in
specific ways. Linking familiar songs to new information can also
help imprint information on young minds.
2. There is also a causal link between music and
spatial intelligence (the ability to perceive the world accurately
and to form mental pictures of things). This kind of intelligence,
by which one can visualize various elements that should go
together, is critical to the sort of thinking necessary for
everything from solving advanced mathematics problems to being able
to pack a book-bag with everything that will be needed for the
day.
3. Students of the arts learn to think creatively
and to solve problems by imagining various solutions, rejecting
outdated rules and assumptions. Questions about the arts do not
have only one right answer.
4. Recent studies show that students who study
the arts are more successful on standardized tests such as the SAT.
They also achieve higher grades in high school.
5. A study of the arts provides children with an
internal glimpse of other cultures and teaches them to be
empathetic towards the people of these cultures. This development
of compassion and empathy, as opposed to development of greed and a
"me first" attitude, provides a bridge across cultural chasms that
leads to respect of other races at an early age.
6. Students of music learn craftsmanship as they
study how details are put together painstakingly and what
constitutes good, as opposed to mediocre, work. These standards,
when applied to a student's own work, demand a new level of
excellence and require students to stretch their inner
resources.
7. In music, a mistake is a mistake; the
instrument is in tune or not, the notes are well played or not, the
entrance is made or not. It is only by much hard work that a
successful performance is possible. Through music study, students
learn the value of sustained effort to achieve excellence and the
concrete rewards of hard work.
8. Music study enhances teamwork skills and
discipline. In order for an orchestra to sound good, all players
must work together harmoniously towards a single goal, the
performance, and must commit to learning music, attending
rehearsals, and practicing.
9. Music provides children with a means of
self-expression. Now that there is relative security in the basics
of existence, the challenge is to make life meaningful and to reach
for a higher stage of development. Everyone needs to be in touch at
some time in his life with his core, with what he is and what he
feels. Self-esteem is a by-product of this self-expression.
10. Music study develops skills that are
necessary in the workplace. It focuses on "doing," as opposed to
observing, and teaches students how to perform, literally, anywhere
in the world. Employers are looking for multi-dimensional workers
with the sort of flexible and supple intellects that music
education helps to create as described above. In the music
classroom, students can also learn to better communicate and
cooperate with one another.
11. Music performance teaches young people to conquer
fear and to take risks. A little anxiety is a good thing, and
something that will occur often in life. Dealing with it early and
often makes it less of a problem later. Risk-taking is essential if
a child is to fully develop his or her potential.
12. An arts education exposes children to the
incomparable.
Thanks to Music
Education Online for writing this wonderful article. Used
with Permission.
